Pulling out all stops for a grand night out

Kate Waterhouse

FIRST there are the nails, the hair and the outfit. Follow that with the bag, the shoes and, finally, the nightclubbing.

Then hold your breath for the bill.

For some young partygoers, the expense of a night out now soars above $1000.

From a $700 pair of shoes to $70 manicures, 20-something women are finding the big night on the town is not coming cheap.

Advertisement

These women share a background of low accommodation costs - sometimes by living with their parents - no dependants and a willingness to sacrifice the best part of a pay packet on looking good.

They are also willing to sacrifice going out every weekend in order to save for a big occasion.

Sydney publicist Montarna McDonald, 22, has spent more than $1000 on a night out, and prefers to save for events such as birthdays, Christmas parties, weddings and club launches.

She will visit a hairdresser, a manicurist, a dress shop and a shoe shop as she makes her preparations.

''I definitely put money aside for a good ensemble,'' she said. ''Given the industry I work in, it's always important to look the part.''

Lauren Henry, 20, who also works in public relations in Sydney says it's not just the outfit she saves for but also the event, with $30 tickets into a nightclub adding to her overall bill of almost $900 on a recent night out.

''Some clubs have an an entry fee so [your budget] will get you into the hundreds when you start including food, drinks, cab rides, '' she said.